A major structured program of collecting is required to
clarify the complex taxonomy of this species in Lao PDR (Evans et al, 2000).
Often occurs in reports under the name C. flavimanus even in lists that also
include C. erythraeus. This is symptomatic over the general confusion of
squirrel identification in the region (Duckworth et al. pers. comm.). There are
many named and still unnamed forms in Thailand, Lao PDR and Vietnam some of
which have small ranges. Whether any merit species rank is unclear but there is
no persuasive reason for any as yet detected form to be considered at risk
(Duckworth et al. pers. comm.).

Pallas's Squirrel is a medium-sizedtree
squirrel,
with a head-body length of 16 to 28 cm (6.3 to 11.0 in), and a tail 11 to 26 cm
(4.3 to 10.2 in) in length. Both sexes are of similar size and appearance, and
weigh between 310 and 460 g (11 and 16 oz). The color of the pelt varies
considerably between the many different subspecies, but is generally brownish on
the upper body with a more reddish tint on the belly, and often with some black
on the tail. The precise pattern and shades of the fur are often used to
distinguish subspecies from one another, but make it difficult to distinguish
the species as a whole from other, similarly variable, tree squirrel species.

The species is identified by its medium size, its olive-brown
upperparts and reddish underparts. The absence of black and buff stripes along
the flank distinguishes the species from the similar Plantain Squirrel
Callosciurus notatus, which prefers lowland areas.

Range Description:

This species is widely distributed in northeastern South Asia,
much of central and southern China, and mainland Southeast Asia. In South Asia,
the species is known to occur in Bangladesh and northeastern India (Molur et al.
2005). It is widely distributed in the region. In China, it has been recorded
from Sichuan, Yunnan, Guandong, Guangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Hainan Island, Xizang,
Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan and Hubei (Smith and Xie 2008). It has
been recorded from the island of Taiwan. In Southeast Asia, it is present in
Myanmar, Northern Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam,
Eastern Cambodia and Peninsular
Malaysia .Tree squirrels were considered to make particularly successful
invasive species due to their high reproductive potential, ability to disperse
effectively, diverse food habits, ability to build nests, and adaptability to
human-impacted landscapes (Palmer et
al., 2007). Bertolino (2009)

It is diurnal and arboreal species typically occurring in
subtropical montane evergreen and broadleaved forests, although in China it is
also present in sub alpine coniferous forests or in a mix of conifers and
broadleaf trees at altitudes above 3,000 m asl (Smith and Xie 2008). It has been
found to occupy tree hollows in mid high canopy. Very flexible in terms of
habitat; Duckworth and Robichaud (2005) found in heavily degraded scrub
landscapes with small degraded forest patches in far northern Lao PDR, It has a
generation time of two to three years. Three types of ectoparasites are
found: sucking louse Neohaematopinus callosciuri (Anoplura:
Haematopinidae), 26 fleas Ceratophyllus (Monopsyllus) anisus Rothschild (Siphonaptera:
Ceratophyllidae) and four nymphs of the tick Haemaphysalis flava Neumann
(Acari: Ixodidae) Pallas's squirrel (C. erythraeus) is 1 tree squirrel
species with body mass of approximately 250–400 g. They are distributed in
Southern China and Southeast Asia and are also introduced in Japan and France (Xu
and Ran 2004). Pallas's squirrels are found as important pests by gnawing barks
and young shoots in many conifer plantations (e.g., Kuo and Liao 1986; Xu and
Ran 2004; Tamura and Ohara 2005). Previous studies showed that Pallas's
squirrels can hoard plant seeds during fruiting seasons in autumn (Chou et al.
1985; but see Setoguchi 1990). According to recent and ongoing studies in
Qingcheng Mt, this tree squirrel is a key scatter-hoarder for the dispersal of
large seeds from Fagaceae species and other large-seeded species (e.g., Camellia
spp.). The most exciting finding is that Pallas's squirrels remove acorn embryos
from several Fagaceae species (e.g., Castanea spp., Quercus spp., and
Cyclobalanopsis spp.), like Sciurus squirrels to white oak acorns reported
in North America.

Like all tree squirrels, Pallas's squirrels are primarily herbivorous. They eat
a wide range of different foods, and have differing diets in different parts of
their broad range. However, primary foodstuffs include leaves, flowers, seeds,
and fruit.They also eat small
quantities of insects, as well as occasional bird eggs.
The squirrels breed throughout the year, and may mate again as soon as they have
weaned a previous litter. Pregnancy lasts 47 to 49 days, and results in the
birth of up to four young, with two being typical. The young leave the nest at
40 to 50 old, and are sexually mature at one year of age. They have lived for up
to seventeen years in captivity.
Pallas's squirrels are diurnal, and inhabit much of the forest canopy, and
construct both leaf nests 7 to 18 m (23 to 59 ft) above the ground, and, less
commonly, underground burrows. Females occupyhome
rangesof
just 0.5 to 0.8 hectares (1.2 to 2.0 acres), which usually do not overlap, while
males occupy much larger ranges of 1.3 to 3.8 ha (3.2 to 9.4 acres), which
overlap with those of both nearby males and females.Like
many other squirrels, they have been observed to cache acorns in the autumn.
The squirrels make calls to warn neighbours of predators, and have been observed
to mob tree-climbing snakes, with females protecting young being particularly
likely to join in.Males also make loud calls prior to, and after, mating.

Major Threat(s):

There are no major threats to this species. Hunting for
consumption has depleted some South Asian populations (Molur et al. 2005).

Conservation Actions:

It is known from the following protected areas in India:
Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Namdapha National
Park, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and Tale Valley Wildlife
Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh (Molur et al. 2005). It Is presumably present in
many protected areas in China and Southeast Asia.